€50 million in ICT funding

Minister for Education Norma Foley TD recently announced the payment of €50 million Information and Communications Technology (ICT) grant funding to all recognised primary and post-primary schools to help continue the use of digital technologies in teaching, learning and assessment.

The ICT grant represents the second tranche of ICT funding under the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027.

Online Summer Courses Enrolment (Primary)

We are pleased to announce that details of the 2024 online summer courses programme for primary teachers are now available, to include course descriptions, course dates and enrolment details. The courses are:

New! Digital Technology for Inclusive Learning, July 1-18 (EPV day approval pending)
Multimedia Projects on Climate and Sustainability, July 1-18 (EPV day approved)

Enrolment opens from 10am, 1st May for both courses and remains open until all places are taken. Participants may enrol in one course only. All primary teachers are welcome, including NQTs. Remember you need a Scoilnet Account to self-enrol (see next notice).

Do you have a Scoilnet Account?

All teachers with a Teaching Council Registration Number can get a (free) Scoilnet Account, which provides access to our Oide Technology in Education online courses as well as various resources and tools such as Scoilnet Learning Paths.

Intending primary summer course participants are advised to make sure you have registered for an account and have easy access to your sign-in details in advance of the self-enrolment process. Have you forgotten your sign-in details?  Do you have a Scoilnet account-related query?

'Croke Park' hours - Post Primary

School leaders who are planning for Croke Park hours might recall that a range of online courses are available 24/7 during term-time for individual study, as allowed for in the relevant circulars. Teachers who complete such courses get a certificate of completion, verifying their engagement. Some teachers may be willing to share their learning from such courses during staff meetings or during other whole school/Croke Park hour events.

Please have a look at the range of courses available. The courses are also available during August planning days.

Coordinating Digital Learning in a Post Primary School

In this video, a teacher from Dungarvan CBS Waterford outlines how they coordinated digital learning within the school, focusing on the areas of Digital Literacy and Digital Learning.

Engaging in a Digital Cross-curricular Project in a Primary School

In this video, a teacher at Our Lady of Victories Boys’ National School describes how they use a mix of digital and physical resources to engage pupils in content in a variety of different ways, exploring content creation tools and working collaboratively in a cross curricular project space.

Guideline on Microsoft Licensing for Schools

Over the past few years, there has been a significant shift among schools towards using cloud-based platforms and applications. This shift is driven by its advantages, including scalability, flexibility, cost-efficiency, and accessibility. Microsoft 365 and related products have reflected this move to the cloud. Microsoft have also significantly changed how their products and services are licensed. We have developed a new Guide to Microsoft Licensing to assist schools in understanding these changes.

Storytelling - "From Page to Screen" with Dave Rudden

Scoilnet has teamed up with author and DCU Artist-in-Residence, Dave Rudden, to create a series of lesson plans and activities for creative writing. These resources are designed to help your pupils bring a concept to fruition from the ideas stage to a final written piece or dramatic production. 

LCVP Case Study 2024: Digital Support Pack

The written examination of the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme takes place in May. This resource, available on Scolnet, outlines approaches that support students in actively engaging with the LCVP Case Study section, both in the classroom and while working at home. A separate Mind Map is also available on Scoilnet.

Titanic Themepage 

The Titanic sank on 15 April 1912. What do your pupils know about the ship - what did it look like? How many people survived? Where was it sailing from? You can find lots of facts, images and information about this famous ship for class projects here.

Webwise AI Hub

The Webwise AI Hub provides information and resources on artificial intelligence and how it can benefit and support users, as well the current limitations and concerns about its use.

Free Online Safety Webinar for Parents

Safe and Empowered: Supporting Children Online With Dr Colman Noctor is a free evening webinar for parents/guardians and will take place on Tuesday, April 16th at 7pm. The session will feature practical advice and strategies for supporting children in the digital world. Webwise will also outline suite of advice and resources for parents/families/guardians.

MediaSmartOnline campaign spotlights media literacy action in Europe

The new #MediaSmartOnline campaign launched in three European countries including Ireland. The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness about all the media literacy actions and initiatives that are currently available for children and young people, and those who are working to upskill them (parents and caregivers, teachers and educators).

Scientix: STEM Discovery Challenge 2024

This year’s Scientix STEM Discovery Campaign is a joint international initiative co-organized with the Life Terra project. The initiative invites educators, projects, organisations, libraries, schools, universities, youth clubs and all interested stakeholders across Europe and beyond to celebrate careers and studies in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Why not enter their Awards too? The peak of the campaign's activities is from 24-30 April.

CESI Conference 2025: Save the Date!

Following another very successful conference, the Computers in Education Society of Ireland (CESI)  is delighted to announce initial details of next year's event. The 2025 Conference will be hosted in ATU Galway City on 1st March 2025. So be sure to 'Save the Date!'  In the meantime, why not have a look at the CESI YouTube channel, which contains the 2024 Conference Welcome and Keynote, and also join their mailing list.